Go Raibh Míle Maith Agat, Jack!

This week’s seisuin in Bruach na Carraige, Rockchapel was a special one, as it saw over 200 family and friends come together to thank and honour the work of Jack Roche. The celebration was also tuned into by over 100 people online as it was live streamed by Leo Fitzgerald of Music Row Studios. The event opened with an abridged version of the Bruach na Carraige Show which features top class Sliabh Luachra traditional music along with witty poems and poignant songs.

Over the years Jack has expended considerable time and effort to conserving and preserving the Sliabh Luachra Culture and Heritage and his talented Sliabh Luachra Performers are a testament to him.

Following this, there was a presentation of a piece of a specially commissioned Art on a Slate made by Kate O’Keeffe. Inscribed on it was the lines from his show ‘Do not turn your back, on tradition or history lore, but pass it on before its gone and lost forever more.’ This was presented to Jack by long standing members of Bruach na Carraige Ceomhaltas Group, Tom and Marty Murphy.

This was followed by a special blessing from Fr. Stritch and number of speeches about Jack’s life. Maurice O’Keeffe spoke about the influence and impact Jack has had on the lives of all the young people who have trained with him. Deputy Michael Moynihan regaled the room with some of his earliest memories of Jack and his passion and dedication to serving the people of Rural Ireland. Eamon O’Cuiv had made the visit down from Galway to celebrate with his long time friend and comrade, he spoke about the many lengthy conversations he had with Jack about supporting rural areas and the huge impact that Jack had on so many people throughout his political career. Finally Maura Walsh of IRD Duhallow spoke about the tireless work that Jack has done over the years not just in Ireland, but in Europe and she played a number of good wish messages sent by friends of his from around the globe.

The second half consisted of a rambling house where Duhallow’s finest musicians came together to perform, entertain and celebrate into the wee hours. Nights like this one don’t happen too often, and it was certainly a special one for all who attended.

Words by Louise Bourke. All photos by Sheila Fitzgerald.